Richard, Membership & Volunteer Coordinator
April 28, 2016
Our staff is always asked about their backgrounds and how they came to work at the Driehaus Museum. So we wanted to share some of our amazing team with everyone. And, as always, let us know if you have any other questions.
First name?
Richard
What is your title and what role does your position play at the Driehaus Museum? My role at the Driehaus Museum is the Membership and Volunteer Coordinator. I am here to coordinate many Membership functions and projects. I work very closely with our volunteers to fulfill the needs of the Museum and ensure a worthwhile experience for them. It very rewarding getting to know so many members already after our record breaking exhibition and event calendar.
How long have you worked at the Museum?
I joined the Driehaus Museum in September 2015.
Where are you from/where do you currently reside? I was born in Omaha Nebraska. Our neighborhood is called The Field Club Historic District and is listed in The National Register of Historic Places. From an early age, I appreciated this beautiful period in history, design and architecture. I have also lived in New York and San Francisco, but Chicago is home for me.
What is your education/experience background? How or why did you come to work at the Driehaus Museum?
I graduated from Loyola University of Chicago with a degree in Business Administration, English, and Communication. I spent over 35 years in specialty retail. I worked with the legendary Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdales. My background in retail and my role here at the museum are very much aligned. It’s all about hospitality, surprise and delight, and design and style.
If you were a staff member of the Nickerson Mansion at the turn of the century, what role would you have and why?
Since I am not a good cook, I hope my role would be head butler. It would be interesting to be part of all the household functions.
If you were trapped in the Museum overnight, what would you do?
Hopefully it would be a snowy winter night so I could light a roaring fire and curl up with a good book.
What is your favorite movie?
I love all the British period films like “An Ideal Husband”, “The Importance of Being Earnest”, and “Gosford Park”. Book? I enjoy anything Agatha Christie. Each story needs to be discovered again and again for a new layer of detail and plot twist and turns.
What is your favorite holiday/program or event at the Museum?
My favorite holiday is Christmas of course! The Museum has sensational decorations and holiday programs that lend themselves nostalgically to this glorious time of the year. Santa Saturday is great fun.
What is your dream job?
I’m enjoying my current role tremendously. It’s a real treat to see our guests and members have such a magical experience at the Driehaus Museum.
Tell us about one of your favorite moments during your time working at the Museum?
Just recently, a group of ladies dressed in full jazz flapper style to visit the Dressing Downton exhibition, they looked amazing. It is great fun to see members and guests fully immerse themselves in this period and environment.